Quick Verdict

  • For everyday spending, the 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ wins with a higher base reward rate of 1% compared to Reliance SBI Card Primeⓘ's 0.5%.
  • When it comes to travel and lounge access, Reliance SBI Card Primeⓘ offers more value with 4 international lounges per year and broader premium benefits.
  • The 6E Rewards XL IndiGo card is cheaper to hold with an annual fee of Rs 1,500, whereas Reliance SBI Card Primeⓘ charges Rs 2,999 with a high waiver threshold.
  • Choose the 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ if you prioritize travel bookings and fuel spends. Opt for Reliance SBI Card Primeⓘ if you shop heavily at groceries and online and want extensive lounge access.

Side by Side

Detail6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit CardReliance SBI Card Prime
Annual feeRs 1,500Rs 2,999
Joining feeRs 1,500Rs 2,999
Fee waiver on spendRs 3.00 lakh annually (Rs 25,000 per month)
Reward rate1% base0.5% base
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic lounge8 per year8 per year
International loungeNone4 per year
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited fortravel, lounge, rewards, fuelshopping, grocery, lounge, rewards

Rewards Compared

The 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ yields Rs 100 back on Rs 10,000 spent at the base rate of 1%. In travel categories, it offers a substantial 5% return translating to Rs 500 on Rs 10,000, which is notably higher than its base rate. Dining and grocery categories also benefit from an enhanced 2.5% return, or Rs 250 per Rs 10,000 spent. The card’s premium benefits such as 5% 6E Rewards on IndiGo spends and discounted convenience fees further boost travel-related rewards.

The Reliance SBI Card Primeⓘ delivers a lower base reward rate of 0.5%, resulting in Rs 50 back on Rs 10,000 spent. However, it offers a higher 5% return in grocery and online shopping categories, equating to Rs 500 per Rs 10,000, making it attractive for frequent shoppers. This card is focused more on retail rewards than travel, although it does support lounge access and hotel discounts as premium perks.

Fees Compared

The 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ charges an annual and joining fee of Rs 1,500 each, with no fee waiver on spending. Its fee is relatively low and becomes worthwhile once your annual spend crosses Rs 1,50,000, the break-even point calculated from the base reward rate. This means moderate spenders can start benefiting without needing very high expenditure.

Reliance SBI Card Primeⓘ levies a higher joining and annual fee of Rs 2,999 each. This fee is waived if you spend Rs 3.00 lakh annually, or Rs 25,000 per month. The break-even spend to cover the fees at the base rate is about Rs 6.00 lakh, which is quite high. Thus, only heavy spenders or those who can fully utilize the welcome benefits and premium perks will find this fee justified.

Which One Should You Pick

If you frequently fly IndiGo, value travel rewards, and want a low-fee card with decent domestic lounge access, the 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ is the better pick. It suits travelers who also spend on dining and groceries and want a simple, rewarding card without high fee burdens. Avoid it if you require international lounge access or spend mostly online and on groceries outside travel.

The Reliance SBI Card Primeⓘ is designed for shoppers who spend heavily in grocery and online categories and want premium lounges both domestically and internationally. Its higher fees are offset by welcome vouchers and discounts at hotels and pharmacies. Pick it if you can meet the Rs 3.00 lakh annual spend for a fee waiver and want a card that rewards retail and lifestyle spending. Skip this card if your spending is below the waiver threshold or you prefer a lower annual fee.

Overall, for most moderate spenders focused on travel and fuel, the 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ offers better value. Reliance SBI Card Primeⓘ is a niche choice for high spenders seeking retail rewards and lounge privileges.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm any caps on category rewards that might limit your returns.
  • Review redemption rules and values to ensure you can easily use your points.
  • Carefully calculate the monthly spend needed to waive fees, especially for Reliance SBI Card Primeⓘ.
  • Be aware of the 3.5% forex markup which applies to foreign currency transactions.
  • Check the lounges’ locations and access policies to see if they align with your travel patterns.

FAQ

What is the difference in reward rates between these two cards?+
The 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ offers a 1% base reward rate with higher category returns for travel, dining, and grocery. The Reliance SBI Card Primeⓘ has a lower 0.5% base rate but provides 5% rewards in grocery and online spends.
Do both cards offer lounge access?+
Both cards provide 8 domestic lounge visits annually. However, Reliance SBI Card Primeⓘ includes 4 international lounge visits per year, whereas the 6E Rewards XL IndiGo card does not offer international lounge access.
Is the annual fee waiver easy to achieve on these cards?+
Only Reliance SBI Card Primeⓘ offers a fee waiver upon spending Rs 3.00 lakh annually, which requires Rs 25,000 monthly spend. The 6E Rewards XL IndiGo card does not have a fee waiver but has a lower annual fee.
Are the forex charges the same on both cards?+
Yes, both cards apply a standard forex markup of 3.5% on foreign currency transactions.
What welcome benefits do these cards provide?+
The 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ offers a complimentary flight ticket worth Rs 3,000 and 6E Prime Add-On. Reliance SBI Card Primeⓘ provides Reliance Retail vouchers worth Rs 3,000 and discount vouchers totaling Rs 11,999.